Plenty of enthusiasm to go around with M-CHS girls basketball team

Randy Elliott spins the ball while waiting for coach Justine Bayles to start the next drill at the girls basketball practice Tuesday.

The Montezuma-Cortez High School Lady Panthers are seeking a fresh start on the basketball court.

After a disappointing 2011-12 season, there is a new attitude and level of excitement in the program.

Third-year coach Justine Bayles doesn’t have a lot of experience on her team. But the level of commitment in practice to get better is something she did not see a season ago.

“We’re building a program. Last year, we saw the bare bones of being down in our upperclassmen,” Bayles said. “This year, I’m just so excited to see the number of sophomores and freshmen coming in. They’re going to play a key role in the building of our program.”

“I have a lot of underclassmen, who are ready to step up and prove to everyone that this is a viable program,” Bayles said.

Coach Bayles will run a half court offense, slowing the tempo and setting up plays to control each possession.

Defensively, the coach feels her team has the athleticism to mix in zone and man-to-man defenses.

“We’re going to slow the pace a little,” Bayles said. “And, I think we have the size that we need to play a tough defense. Everyone is going to be surprised at what we’re going to be able to put on the court this year.”

M-CHS will participate in an unofficial scrimmage on Nov. 24, before opening the regular season at Gallup, N.M., against Miyamura High School. Tournaments in Steamboat Springs and Palisade, and road games at Aztec (N.M.) and Bayfield round out nonconference play.

“It will be nice to be able to go somewhere and play teams that we’re not used to playing,” Bayles said. “Usually, when we go away in the preseason, the girls look really good, and we come home and we have the long (Christmas) break. It seems to hang us up just a little bit, but I’m ready for those long trips.”

Southwestern League play begins Jan. 18, 2013 at 5A Fruita Monument.

The Lady Panthers will conclude the regular season on a five-game home stand.

“I think we’ll be able to use that to our advantage and build some momentum on our home floor,” Bayles said.

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Monday, March 2

The Montelores Early Childhood Council holds its monthly luncheon meeting at 11:45 a.m., in downstairs meeting room 110, in the Johnson...